NEW YORK (TCN) — A 2-year-old boy has died after his father was accused of beating him severely while intoxicated, authorities say.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by WPIX, 30-year-old Dayvon Morrison was staying at a shelter on Jan. 30 with his 2-year-old son, Maliek Williams. Morrison admitted he was intoxicated, the complaint said, and when he woke up the following morning, he saw that his son had bruises on his face but did not remember beating him.
Morrison allegedly noticed that the child’s condition was worsening the next day but did not seek medical help. He reportedly put Williams into his stroller and they went to drop off Morrison’s other child. Witnesses saw the condition of the child early Monday and called 911, according to WPIX.
Williams was taken to the hospital with injuries including a fractured pelvis, a damaged brain stem, a blown right pupil, a lacerated liver, and multiple brain bleeds. He was put on a ventilator and died on Feb. 5 with his mother by his side, WPIX reports.
WPIX reports Morrison was arraigned Feb. 4 and charged with attempted murder and assault. Since Williams has died, the charges are expected to be upgraded. The New York Post reports that during his arrest, Morrison allegedly said, “If you’re gonna put me in cuffs, that’s fine. I was drunk the other night.”
The child’s mother, Cyndy Williams, said her son cried every time he had to go with his father and she had warned the Administration for Children’s Services about Morrison, WPIX reports.
According to Spectrum News 1, a spokesperson for the Administration for Children’s Services said, “The safety and well-being of New York City children is our top priority. We are investigating this tragedy with the NYPD and we offer our deepest condolences to Maliek’s family and loved ones.”
Morrison pleaded guilty and is being held without bail, per Spectrum News 1.
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